Software & Digital Solutions

Mahr Federal will offer its MarCom Professional metrology software version 5.2 as a free download from the Mahr.com website. MarCom 5.2 is a full-featured metrology software interface for connecting measuring instruments by cable or wireless.

ABB and IBM have announced a strategic collaboration that brings together ABB's industry-leading digital offering, ABB Ability, with IBM Watson Internet of Things cognitive capabilities to unlock new value for customers in industry, utilities and transport & infrastructure.

Makino introduces SGI.5, its latest version of Super Geometric Intelligence software for high-feed rate, tight-tolerance machining of complex 3D contoured shapes. Depending upon the specific geometry of the application, SGI.5 can provide 20 to 60 percent faster cycle times while maintaining accuracy and surface finishes.

With the latest version of QualityXpert, InspectionXpert Corp. and K2D-KeyToData GmbH offer the "next generation of quality-management software."

Bob Warfield of the CNCCookbook.com addresses tool life issues when micromachining in the third episode of The CNC Chef, a new video series from Cutting Tool Engineering. In this episode, Warfield takes a close look at tool runout, which he says is the No. 1 issue for tool life problems when micromachining.

System Insights announces the official launch of VIMANA Enrich, a software solution that simplifies the capture and integration of relevant data from the shop floor, manufacturing and business systems and adds context to the manufacturing process without increasing time and cost for programming and systems integration.

Machine tool builders, tool suppliers and software developers now deliver technology that makes it possible for CNC operators to set up jobs in minutes rather than hours, and deliver parts in days instead of weeks.

The April 2017 Machine Technology column in Cutting Tool Engineering magazine covers tabletop equipment for sharpening cutting tools.

Spring Technologies, Boston, which offers CNC software solutions, in April announced that it had joined AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members.

The goal of machine shops is to cut parts, not to design fixtures. Although necessary, the task drains resources without providing additional revenue. That's why SpaceClaim let's machinists and manufacturing engineers utilize existing CAD data to create tooling and fixtures in little to no time, minimizing costs and maximizing machining output.

In the machine shop of the future, a digital thread will weave through the pre-, in- and post-machining processes. Prior to machining, those processes include design, process and operations planning, and production logistics. After machining, part verification and outbound logistics enter the picture.

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) sees cyber security awareness and prevention in manufacturing as an emerging challenge and competitiveness issues that manufacturers are facing. In response, NCMS has released a new whitepaper, written by Senior Vice President Rebecca Taylor, "Balancing Productivity and Security: The New Cybersecurity Challenge for Manufacturers."